EZ Herbs

Agarita

Ellen Zimmermann

Mahonia trifoliolata

A large bush, usually growing from 3-6 feet, gray/green spiky leaves, fragrant yellow blossoms, with the fragrance of honey, and delectable red berries, is one of Central Texas’ native treasures.  Agarita grows best in the sun and part-shade, in rocky, dry soil with very little care, other than what nature provides. This native bush is endemic to the Edwards Plateau and has numerous health and culinary benefits.

For years Texans have been preparing delicious Agarita berry jam from the ripened berries of early spring.  The berries can be difficult to harvest as the plant has a natural self-protective leaf on its branches.  However, you can improvise by using umbrellas spread upside down under the bush then gently hit the branches until the very ripe berries fall. Be patient until next spring when those yummy berries appear once again then try out my recipe below for some yummy Agrita jam.

In the meantime, you can trim your Agarita bush and harvest the branches to prepare a healthy and quite tasty decoction (tea). Gently simmer the branches for at least ½ – 1 hour to release the chemical constituents of the plant.  Although the root contains a more concentrated array of constituents, the branches have medicinal value as well, and you don’t have to uproot the entire plant to receive its benefits. If you do uproot the plant it is difficult to replant Agarita as it does not like to be transplanted.

I like to drink Agarita tea to assist with digestion, chronic constipation, and as a blood tonic. The western cowboys also drank a root tea for a kindly hangover cure.  AKA Algertia, and Agarito, the powerful plant can also be used for chronic infections, a preventative for kidney stones and as a liver cleanser.

High in Berberine, this incredible herb can be used as other Mahonias in treating various digestive issues, an anti-viral effect and as one of nature’s antibiotics.

I am now offering a concentrated and tasty Agarita Branch tincture as an easier alternative to the tea. Similar to Echinacea, taking Agarita at the onset of symptoms will boost and support immune system functioning.

Purchase a bag of Agarita Branch Tea made from freshly harvested branches and give it a try.  You will be delighted.

 

2 oz. $26.00 Agarita Branch Tincture

2.5 oz. $25.95 Agarita Branch Tea 

 

Agarita Berry Jam

Wash the berries thoroughly removing any debris. This may take 3 or more washings. Agarita berries contain natural pectin so there is no need to use pectin or any thickening agent for this jam. The yellow seeds within the berries also contain berberine, so this jam is naturally healthful. 

Ingredients

Making the Jam

  1. Place thoroughly washed berries and water in a stainless steel saucepan
  2. Bring to a boil, lower heat to medium and cook for approximately 15 minutes
  3. Strain out the berries and mash them in a wooden bowl
  4. Add berries back to the liquid
  5. Add sugar to taste (I used 1 1/3)
  6. Simmer over medium heat for approximately 60 minutes (more time will be needed when making a larger amount).
  7. When the liquid is syrupy, perform a 4-minute refrigerator test. Take a tablespoon of liquid/berries and place in the refrigerator. If the liquid solidifies to an almost jam like consistency, your jam is ready to jar. If it is too runny cook down a little more
  8. Allow to cool for a few minutes and then place in a glass jar
  9. When the jar feels cool place in the refrigerator. The jam will thicken overnight.
  10. The next morning enjoy some of your Agarita Jam on toast.  YUM!!!